Dopita May Finally Try Nhl

May 10, 2000|By MICHAEL RUSSO Staff Writer

Panthers General Manager Bryan Murray said Tuesday that he plans to talk in the next week with the representatives of Czech Elite League star Jiri Dopita in hopes of bringing the talented center to the NHL next season.

The Panthers traded a fifth-round pick to the New York Islanders for Dopita's rights at last year's draft.

The Panthers had hoped Dopita would center the top line with Pavel Bure last season. Dopita turned down what Murray termed "a considerable offer" because he didn't want to move his family.

Dopita has been drafted twice, by Boston and the Islanders, but both teams were unable to sign him after contract squabbles. In the most recent one, the Islanders refused to pay Dopita $1 million per season.

Murray believes things have changed.

"He had a commitment to his team [Slovnaft Vsetin]," Murray said. "But the team had some kind of problem financially this year and there is a feeling they may move or be at a lesser level of program next year.

"It's created a situation where Jiri feels this may be a time to move on and try the NHL."

Dopita, tied for second in scoring in the world championships with three goals and seven points, finished third in the Czech League last season with 30 goals and 59 points in 49 games. He led his team to the Czech championship the previous four seasons.

At 6 feet 3 and 230 pounds, Dopita, 31, has speed and would bring size that the Panthers lack on their top lines. He also could improve the Panthers in the faceoff circle, where they struggled.

Murray also said the Panthers may negotiate to bring Kristian Huselius, their 1997 second-round pick, over from the Swedish Elite League for next season.

Huselius' repertoire is his stick handling, which Panthers scouts believe is the best in the organization. Huselius, 21 and a 6-1, 192-pound left wing, had 21 goals and 44 points in 50 games for Vastra Frolunda last year.

"He's having a heck of a world championships," Murray said. "He's a different guy than [Panthers forward and fellow Swede] Marcus Nilson. He's more of a skilled guy, and I want to bring him here if he's ready to play in the league.

"It wouldn't be the worst thing if we had to put him in the AHL, but if he's not going to make the team, then it might be better to leave him one more year in Sweden."

Murray close to deal

Murray has put his contract talks on hold while he's on the road scouting.

Murray said he and President Bill Torrey held conversations at the end of last week.

Murray has taken exception to reports saying his job status is in question.

"I've been carrying a contract around in my briefcase since February," Murray said. "There are just a couple little issues that we have to talk about. We're talking about them. There's nothing at this point, but we're talking now."